The Nationals' $610 million tourism plan to make the regions shine

For more information, contact Dave Grills (Member for the Mining and Pastoral Region).

The Nationals WA will deliver a $610 million strategy to transform Western Australia’s tourism sector if returned to Government at the State election.

Member for the Mining and Pastoral Region Dave Grills MLC said the Seizing the Opportunity in Tourism initiative was focused on developing tourism infrastructure, cheaper air travel, destination marketing and more regional events to drive tourism expansion in WA.

"This announcement is a game-changer for tourism, business and local economies across regional WA," Mr Grills said.

"Many businesses in the Mining and Pastoral Region benefit from tourism including accommodation providers local cafes, supermarkets and service stations or anyone providing product or service.

"This is why over the next four years, The Nationals WA will expand our focus on tourism to diversify the economy in response to the post-mining boom economic slowdown."

The Nationals’ tourism policy will invest $610 million over five years into:

• $200 million – Tourism Product Headworks and Roadworks Fund

• $125 million – Regional Aviation Affordability Fund

• $125 million – Destination Marketing

• $75 million – Indigenous Experience Development Fund

• $75 million – Regional Events Program

• $10 million – Visitor Centres Network/WAITOC

Nationals WA Candidate for Kalgoorlie Tony Crook said the policy would be funded by The Nationals' plan to increase the special lease rental paid by big miners from 25 cents per tonne to $5 and would also build on the Party's commitment to slash payroll tax for 10,000 WA businesses.

"The Nationals’ policy will help make the Goldfields glitter and enable regional WA to lead the country in tourism product development, marketing and experiences," Mr Crook said.

"Our commitment to improving tourism headworks and roadworks, more affordable airfares, greater destination marketing and more regional events will provide real benefits to communities in the Goldfields. The initiative will enable the Goldfields tourism sector to maximise opportunities for attracting new international and domestic visitors and create new jobs locally.

"Unlike the major parties, we have a comprehensive plan to diversify the State’s economy and have a funding source to deliver it."

Read more about the Nationals’ plan for WA tourism at http://www.nationalswa.com/tourism